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more complicated formulae ; until at length what has been termed 
the old chemistry and the dualistic ideas gave way before the 
vigorous assaults of two young Frenchmen, Laurent and 
Gerhardt. I should say that Dumas on the one side and 
Liebig on the other had pioneered the way by the more attentive 
study of compound bodies ; and chlorine was found to overthrow 
the theory of Berzelius. But Dumas and Laurent expounded 
to us the doctrine of molecular chemistry. The chemical mole- 
cules were looked at as a ivhole, and compared by Dumas to 
planetary systems. These molecules could become modified by 
substitution ; and it is in vain to say that this theory may fall 
like the preceding; because in thus seeking out the mode of the 
Creator we are permitted to become ourselves to a certain extent 
creators; and to alter these molecules at will, so as to produce 
new bodies which we think ought to exist. But ice know abso- 
lutely nothing of organization, and no chemist can make the 
smallest approach to the formation of the most insignificant 
plant or insect. 
Tyndall, for the construction of his organizing molecules, 
confounds all this together. He says : — 
“ The polarity of magnetism and electricity appealed to the senses, and 
thus became the substratum of the conception that atoms and molecules 
are endowed with definite attractive and repellent poles, by the play of 
which definite forms of crystalline architecture are produced. Thus mole- 
cular force becomes structural. It requires no great boldness of thought 
to extend its play into organic nature, and to recognize in molecular force 
the agency by which both plants and animals are built up.” * 
We have here the exploded system of Berzelius made to 
account not only for dualistic compounds, but for all the organ- 
ization which meets our view ! This is neither the old chemistry 
nor the new chemistry, nor science in any shape ; but simple and 
pure assertion — dogma, to be received and held on the authority 
of Tyndall alone ! 
The new chemistry has made us familiar with the doctrine of 
types (a wonderful display of the mind that regulates matter) ; 
and with the fundamental quality of atomicity which is essential 
to the formation of molecules. But Tyndall’s atoms are devoid 
of “atomicity”; and his molecules are simply magnets, which 
yet, under his magic wand, become endowed with life, with will, 
and with the power to erect organic bodies ! 
It is really impossible, if we receive the teaching of modern 
chemistry, to avoid the conclusion that all the properties of 
matter are arranged by a mind of admirable skill and wisdom. 
There is here no question of evolution, nor f of teleology, nor of 
# Address, p. 52. 
